The Miracle of Patience

worshippers. To help the students and worshippers, Mr. Bilali planned to build a canopy by covering half of the courtyard with a roof. He started the work, creating a framework and beginning the roof construction. This incident occurred on March 19, 1991. Suddenly, about 150 Hindus, mostly young men, gathered and declared they would not allow the construction of the roof. They threatened, saying, “If you don’t take down this roof, there will be bloodshed, and your mosque will not remain standing.” One student went to the police station and informed them of the situation. Soon, a large number of police officers arrived, including senior officials. After assessing the situation, the police stated that the construction was within legal boundaries, so no one could stop it. They told the Muslims, “You go ahead and build the roof; we are here to ensure your safety.” Mahmood Saeed Bilali wondered how long the police could keep protecting him if he continued construction. Eventually, he would have to face the local Hindus, who might not only dismantle the roof but also destroy the mosque, and no one could stop them. While he was lost in these thoughts, an elderly man from the Hindu crowd stepped forward. He said, “Mian Ji, these people are very agitated right now. They could do anything. Don’t be stubborn; take down the roof.” Bilali immediately took advantage of the situation. He said, “Just as this elder is respected by you, he is also respected by me. I accept his advice.” Then he told his workers to take down the roof. As a result, the roof was dismantled.